Editing Irish Republic (section)

===Ministry===
The Dáil Constitution vested executive authority in a cabinet called the [[Ministry of Dáil Éireann]] (or {{lang|ga|Aireacht}} in Irish). The Ministry was answerable to the Dáil which elected its head, known initially as the [[President of Dáil Éireann]] ({{lang|ga|Príomh Aire}}). He in turn appointed the ministers. According to the original version of the constitution enacted in January 1919, there were to be four ministers:
:# [[Minister for Finance (Ireland)|Minister of Finance]] ({{lang|ga|Aire Airgid}})
:# [[Minister for Justice (Ireland)|Minister of Home Affairs]] ({{lang|ga|Aire Gnóthaí Duthchais}})
:# [[Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade|Minister of Foreign Affairs]] ({{lang|ga|Aire Gnóthaí Coigcríoch}})
:# [[Minister for Defence (Ireland)|Minister of National Defence]] ({{lang|ga|Aire Cosanta}})

In April 1919, the ministry was increased in size to not more than nine ministers. In August 1921, it was changed again with the title President of the Republic used, suggesting a position of head of state. A ministry of six was created. These were:
:# [[Minister for Finance (Ireland)|Minister of Finance]]
:# [[Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade|Minister of Foreign Affairs]]
:# [[Minister for Justice (Ireland)|Minister of Home Affairs]]
:# [[Minister for Defence (Ireland)|Minister of Defence]]
:# [[Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage|Minister of Local Government]]
:# [[Minister for Economic Affairs|Minister of Economic Affairs]]

A number of previous cabinet ministers, notably [[Constance Markievicz]], were demoted to under-secretary level.

The Ministry met as often as secrecy and safety allowed.